Researchers find that ultrasound may help get drugs across the blood-brain barrier

Researchers find that ultrasound may help get drugs across the blood-brain barrier

Tuesday 11 July 2017

This promising technique was developed by Researchers from the University of Oxford, UK and the University of Twente, Netherlands

The ultrasound and microscopic bubbles, or 'captivation agents' help open the blood brain barrier and allow drugs to enter the brain.

The blood brain barrier is a protective barrier that surrounds the brain and helps prevent chemicals and toxins from entering the brain. This barrier also prevents essential cancer drugs from entering the brain.

The researchers used an experimental platform made from human cells to measure acoustic emissions, light, sound and electrical fields. They then used fluorescent probes to determine the mechanical and chemical effects the captivation agents had on the cells in real time.

Though tests on the human brain are far off, there are hopes that this technique will allow for more treatment options in the future.